adventurous dark funny informative lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
emotional hopeful medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

look at my Regency era criminal accomplice dog im going to jail
lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

The plot was interesting and  the real historic characters were great, but the romance was very stagnant and the way Gus kept referring to Evan as ‘my beloved’ was a bit grating.
adventurous mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Another fun regency-era novel about two "spinsters" who solve mysteries and go on misadventures. Unlike how neat the first one was, this was a little uneven and the main mystery surrounding Lord Evan being framed for murder was not solved, leaving me disappointed. 
adventurous informative tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
oztuga's profile picture

oztuga's review

4.25

"The Ladies' Road Guide to Utter Ruin" by Alison Goodman is a historical mystery novel featuring two unconventional sisters, Lady Augusta "Gus" Colebrook and her twin, Julia, who secretly protect women and children outside the constraints of Regency society. When Lord Evan, a charming escaped convict and Gus's love interest, needs help hiding his sister and her lover from a vindictive brother, the sisters take them in. To clear Lord Evan's name of a past murder and protect them all, Gus and Julia embark on a thrilling adventure, navigating the dangerous underworld of Georgian London, uncovering secrets, and facing down ruthless pursuers. 


Here's a more detailed summary:
  • Secret Protectors:
  • Gus and Julia, despite their age and social standing, are not just idle ladies; they are covert protectors of the vulnerable, operating outside the law and social norms. 


  • A Dangerous Past:
  • Lord Evan, an escaped convict, brings his sister and her lover to the Colebrook sisters for protection, but his past is riddled with secrets and danger, putting everyone at risk. 


  • The Murder Mystery:
  • To save Lord Evan, Gus and Julia must investigate a twenty-year-old murder, a task that plunges them into a world of gentlemen's clubs, spies, and bounty hunters. 


  • Thrilling Adventure:
  • The sisters face perilous situations, navigate a complex web of deceit, and confront powerful enemies as they try to uncover the truth and clear Lord Evan's name. 


  • Romance and Intrigue:
  • The novel blends mystery, adventure, and a touch of romance, with Gus and Julia's relationship with Lord Evan and Mr. Kent (Julia's suitor) developing amidst the chaos. 


  • Feminist Themes:
  • The story champions women's agency and resilience, showcasing their ability to challenge societal expectations and fight for justice. 


  • "Jane Austen meets James Bond":
  • The novel is described as a blend of historical fiction and thrilling adventure, offering a unique and engaging reading experience. 
adventurous emotional tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No